Singapore Cancer Society to give $25 funding assistance for mammogram

In the spirit of International Breast Cancer Month, Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) has announced its funding assistance of S$25 for mammogram at all participating breast screening centres.

The cost of a mammogram at a polyclinic is about S$100. For Singapore citizens, if they visit selected mammography centres, would receive a government subsidised rate of S$50. In the case of Permanent Residents, it is $75.  With a $25 funding assistance from SCS, the bill would come up to $25 and $50 respectively.

SCS stated that screening will be done at participating breast screening centres. The appointment for the mammogram must be made by 31 Dec 2016, and it must be done by 31 Jan 2017 with terms and conditions apply.

Members of public are eligible to enjoy the program if they are:

• A Singaporean or PR
• A woman aged 50* years and above and have not had a mammogram done in the past 24 months (Women aged 40 to 49 years old can screen for breast cancer but they should talk to their doctor about the benefits and limitations of mammograms in this age group so that they can make an informed choice about going for screening).
• Have not been breast feeding for the past 6 months
• Not pregnant
• Do not have any breast implants
• Do not have any history of breast cancer
• Asymptomatic with no breast cancer symptoms
• Have no breast symptoms such as breast lumps or blood-stained nipple discharge
• Possess a valid Health Assist card (either orange or blue)

According to SCS, breast cancer is the No.1 cancer among women in Singapore. However, only 2 in 5 women are up to date with their mammogram screening.

According to Singapore Cancer Registry,1,850 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year.  Unfortunately, over 400 die from the disease according to National Registry of Diseases Office, Singapore.

The statistic shows that 1 in 11 women will get breast cancer in their lifetime. Nevertheless, the chances of surviving breast cancer increases with early detection.

The mammogram is currently the most reliable screening tool for breast cancer. It can detect the presence of cancerous lumps even before they can be felt with the hand. SCS provides mammograms, without charge, to Singaporean women at the SCS Multi-Service Centre, strictly by appointment.

Those who are interested can contact one of the 47 participating breast screening centres listed below :

Central/South Area

North

West

East

To make an appointment or enquiry, please contact the SCS Multi-Service Centre at 6499 9133, or click here.